Half-Life 2 install questions

[vanvock]

It's not really clear to me how this works. Do I have to set up an account with Valve(Steam) to play the game even if not on-line multiplayer? Does that include a credit card # & do they charge a fee to keep playing? The box says it includes CS:S so should I make a folder for it or is that downloaded or just ran on-line? Thanks

 

[PseudoKnight]

Do I have to set up an account with Valve(Steam) to play the game even if not on-line multiplayer?

Yes.

Does that include a credit card #

Only if you buy it online.

& do they charge a fee to keep playing?

No.

The box says it includes CS:S so should I make a folder for it or is that downloaded or just ran on-line?

Installation of all Steam games are done automatically inside the Steam folder. You can download through Steam or install it with the installation disks provided in a retail purchase.

 

[PottedMeat]

you setup an account with valve and download/buy in a store Halflife2

you pay only once. no monthly fees, etc.

if you buy it online ( with a CC ), i think you get a serial that will decrypt what you've downloaded.

if you bought it in a store, you install the cds, and go online with your account and use the serial included in the box to decrypt the game cds.

you can play offline by placing steam in 'offline mode'

however you must go online at least once in order to decrypt the game.

remember that the game is linked to your account, and if you screw around ( cheat, abuse, etc. ) and get banned, you will not be able to play the game anymore.

 

[vanvock]

OK, Thanks. It's a retail box from store(present). I'm not interested (at this point) in on-line play so when I start the game does it have to log on to the net in order to run?

 

[PseudoKnight]

Correction: if you hack and are VAC2 banned, then you can only play on non-secure servers, of which are few.

so when I start the game does it have to log on to the net in order to run?

Yes, at first. No, once it's updated and you go into offline mode.

 

[vanvock]

Got it, THX